We recently had a big group of friends over for a dinner party, and, to my surprise, one guest brought my favorite candy–Swedish-made salty licorice. I was delighted (and I got to keep it all to myself, since none of my family members like it). Yes, wine is always welcome.But here are a few unexpected gift ideas guaranteed to thrill a hard-working holiday host:
Above: For the Scandis in your life: A collaboration between Portland, OR-based Quin Candy and Jacobsen Salt, a pack of Salty Black Licorice is $14.45 from Jacobsen Salt Company.
Above: Finally available in the US, British cookbook writer Nigel Slater’s Eat: The Little Book of Fast Food has more than 600 recipes for quick, easy dishes; $19.01 from Amazon. Photograph via Lottie + Doof.
Above: A reusable Maple Bottle Stop handmade in Cincinnati; $22 from Spartan of Austin, Texas.
Above: A set of two woven polka dot tea towels designed by Stephan Scholten and Carole Baijings (known for aminimalist design aesthetic with pops of fluorescence). A set of Dot Tea Towels is machine washable; $32 from Nannie Inez.
Above: Made from a single piece of hand bent steel, a Triangle Dinner Bell by Pat Kim has an English bridle leather hanger and is $60.
Above: Who can resist a cup of hot chocolate? From La Boí®te í Epice, a New York spice lab founded by chef Lior Lev Sercarz, Reims N. 39 is a hot chocolate laced with honey, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger; $18 via Food52’s shop Provisions.
Above: Play pioneer indoors and outdoors with these 4-inch-tall Copper and Brass Handheld Lanterns hand-forged in Wisconsin (and ideal as a backup during blackouts); $24.90 each from Kaufmann Mercantile.
Are you hosting this year’s holiday party and looking for table setting guidance? Check out our post Expert Advice: Setting a Table With Food 52.
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